Waldorf Blofeld Synthesizer, Black

Full Description

Three Authentic Circuit-Model Oscillators

At the heart of the Waldorf Blofeld are three oscillators which are designed using authentic circuit-models of analogue oscillators. Included are pulse waveforms with variable pulse-width, sawtooth, triangle and a sine wave. This wide selection of analogue-based waveforms allows you to create everything from natural and organic sounds to aggressive basslines and pads. The Blofeld is perfect for creating complex timbres and sounds with its wide range of controls and ergonomic layout.

The Blofeld also borrows waveforms from other Waldorf synths. For example, the Blofeld includes all the ROM Wavetables form the flagship Waldorf Wave Oscillator. Additionally, the Upper Wavetable from the classic PPG Wave is also included for maximum versatility.

Ring Modulation and Noise Generator

The integrated ring modulation circuit allows you to texturise the sound of oscillators one and two. Ring modulation is perfect for creating unique timbres such as bell-like or metallic sounds. You can even use it to create sound effects as well as powerful basses and leads.

Blofeld also features a built-in noise generator. This allows you to use white noise as a starting point for sound generation. From here you can filter the noise generation through the built-in filters and Noise Colour settings.

From here, you can mix the three oscillators, ring modulator and noise generator into filter 1 and filter 2 for in-depth sound design. This gives you the ability to control the richer harmonic content of the tone generators.

In-Depth Filtering and Distortion

The Waldorf Blofeld possesses two multimode filters per voice. You can route the filter either in a series or in parallel for added control. Each filter comes complete with its own Pan parameter, perfect for creating immersive stereo sounds. The multimode filter is comprised of low pass, band pass, high pass and notch settings. Each filter features can be toggled between 12dB/oct or 24dB/oct slopes.

The built-in filters also offer freely controllable Drive parameters. You can achieve everything from tube saturation to two types of electric pickups and even binary distortion.

Powerful Low Frequency Oscillators

Each of the three LFOs offers sine, triangle, square and sawtooth waveforms, plus sample & hold and random.

LFOs can be synchronized to MIDI clock, they can be polyphonic or monophonic, reset on key trigger to a freely definable phase, and the speed can be scaled by MIDI note (key follow). There are separate delay and fade in/out parameters for e.g. delayed vibrato (positive Fade values) or a burst of vibrato at the start of each note (negative Fade values).

One important feature of the Blofeld LFOs is that higher rates reach well into the audio frequency range, thus making them useful extra FM sources. There are two basic modes: either linear FM as seen in classic digital synths or logarithmic FM, which is primarily the domain of analogue modular systems.

Features

• Unbeatable price tag
• Sturdy Metal Enclosure
• 7 endless stainless-steel Dials
• Graphic Display 128 x 64 pixels, b/w, white background LED
• more than 1000 Sounds
• 3 Oscillators per voice
• Frequency Modulation between the Oscillators
• All Q Oscillator Models
• All Microwave II/XT/XTk Wavetables
• Two independent Multi Mode Filters per voice
• Filter FM
• 2 Drive stages per voice with selectable Drive Curves
• 3 fast LFOs per voice
• 4 fast Envelopes per voice
• Powerful Arpeggiator
• Freely programmable Arpeggiator Pattern with up to 16 Steps per Sound

Specifications

• Graphic Display 128 x 64 pixels, b/w, white background LED
• MIDI LED
• Volume Control
• Power Switch
• Stereo Output
• Headphone Output
• MIDI In
• USB Connector for MIDI In / Out
• Uses standard USB MIDI Driver provided by host computer OS
• Windows ME minimum, Windows XP or newer recommended
• Mac OS X 10.2 minimum, Mac OS X 10.3 or newer recommended
• External Power Supply